Dragon 1/35 Dragon Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E Tiger I Initial Production s.Pz.Abt. 502 Leningrad Region 1942/3

Description
      Dragon created a milestone when it first released its Tiger I Initial Production (Item No. 6252) five years ago. With its extreme degree of detail, multimedia components and engineering excellence, that kit set a benchmark for the design of all 1/35 kit designs thereafter. Such was its status and impact that, five years later, the kit is still in popular demand amongst modelers the world over. This legendary Tiger I kit is now reproduced under the famous Smart Kit label in a new release in Dragon’s 1/35 scale series. The new kit features a Tiger I Initial Production tank of s.Pz.Abt.502. This heavy tank battalion is distinguished by the fact that it was the first to deploy the new Tiger I tank in combat. Formed in August 1942, s.Pz.Abt.502 arrived at the Leningrad front and was soon using its Tiger tanks in battle.
      As a Smart Kit, this new release of the Tiger I Initial Production tank assures model-makers of user-friendly assembly and enhanced detail and quality. It sees the introduction of many newly tooled parts like the lower hull, stowage bins and toolbox. The DS tracks are also brand new creations that easily assemble in a realistic fashion. Even the tiniest details - for example, a reversed pistol port on tank “100” - are carefully reproduced. Dragon believes this newest release of the Tiger I raises the benchmark even higher, and just like the original Tiger tank of WWII, this kit is also destined to reach legendary status.
 
Kit Features:

Newly tooled Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E w/authentic detail
New tooled Pz.III stowage bin
Newly tooled hull bottom w/correct drains and hatches for Initial Tigers
Newly tooled DS tracks w/open guide horns; three lengths included to model either standard or 'mirrored' tracks
New s.Pz.Abt.502 markings presented by Tiger I specialist David Byrden
New layout of on-vehicle tools on upper hull
Track toolbox is newly designed
Unique side stowage bins and reversed pistol port for s.Pz.Abt.502 Tactical No."100"
Photo-etched strap on the Gen2 helmet for hanging on the turret handle
Accurate welded joint at turret chin
Hull hatches w/interior detail and optional periscope hoods
Photo-etched mesh screen on top of the engine deck
One-piece molded cupola w/vision slits
Clear direct-vision blocks
Hatch w/interior details
Screw holes in gun sleeve
Mantlets w/limits stops and optional rain guard for s.Pz.Abt.502 Tactical No."100"
Lucky horseshoe for s.Pz.Abt.502 Tactical No."100"
Interior hull components: fuel tanks, radiators, fans
Extreme attention to detail correctly replicates the curved cross-section design of the air cooling grills
Accurate detail of exhaust extension for Tiger I initial Tactical Nos."3", "100" and "123"
Retooled rear panel w/full Initial Tiger tool stowage
Improved detail on muffler sealing valves
Loader's hatch w/interior details
Barrel recoils as in real firing
Driver's vision port can be built open/closed
Spare links for 'mirrored' tracks
Accurately sized spare track holders
Detailed full MG w/mounting frame ammunition bag and telescope
Optional dust cover
Omitting the front wheel exposes a highly detailed hub
Accurately detailed slide molded muzzle brake